No matter how much we plan for big events it is the flow of the universe that something will go wrong. I see it as confirmation that we just aren't perfect, no matter how we strive. Shouldn't that mean we need to give ourselves a break when it happens?
The more emotional the event and time spent on an event can mean that when something goes wrong the ending reaction will be much more magnified. Television has made money on that pure statement. Take for instance "Bridezilla" or shows like that. Yet, the event planning emotional stress breakdown due to bumps and jumps in the plans isn't confined to just weddings. It can include the reception, showers, & other big events like anniversary and birthday parties.
Being in the business of making events a better one through music, we have had to pull out our hero's capes a few times. While our music and entertainment finesse came into play to help soften the blow, in no way could our music fix the problem. We could only help devert, bring the atmosphere up a notch or two, or take the focus totally away as people swayed and danced and smiled. (Hint: Another reason you should always use a professional live band that has experience - it isn't just about the music as we say!)
In 99.9% of the situations, there were only a few people that even knew the plans had gone awry.
What totally mattered is if the person planning, or the guest of honor took it in stride and realized that it wasn't a problem that was going to take away from the event. If the Birthday cake had the wrong color icing, it was still a Birthday and the celebration was not dependent on the icing, nor the cake. If the Bridal bouquet fell apart the Bride would still be as beautiful to the Groom holding one flower as she would with 30 - and probably even more so with the focus on her and not the massive bouquet.
The important thing is that sometimes a mishap, is just a bump to get us back into focus that the whole purpose of the event was to celebrate. The celebration is what is important, whether or not rain is fore-casted, the bows were placed too high on the pews, or the caterer served the meal too early. So what? Your guests didn't come because they expected a perfect evening, they came to celebrate - with you.
As a Bride, Hostess, or Guest of Honor, as the big day comes up or as you look back at the memories, it should all be about the reason for the celebration. If you can take those errors, mistakes, accidents, overlooks, misplanned, miscommunicated challenges and hiccups along the way for the big day, then you will be well set for life ahead. After all, it's all about the striving, the journey, the overcoming, the holding your head high, the kicking off your shoes and dancing when the heel of your shoe breaks that gives you character and the ability to see life with grace. Oh, and when your heel breaks and you kick off those shoes, we'd be happy to play the music for you to dance - and dance you will!